There was a flood of online speculation about how the 24-kilo blue marlin could have come to obtain the strange markings across its body after images were posted on social media.

But, now one of the fishermen involved has come forward to explain why it happened.

The fish, netted by fishermen from Lopez Jaena in Mindanao, Philippines, had bizarre markings that looked like letters had been tattooed onto the amphibious creature.

Pictures of the weird fish went viral after being posted online by stunned beachgoers, triggering bizarre speculation about what could have caused it.

Paranormal enthusiasts were quick to blame the markings on the supernatural and some even claimed aliens were trying to deliver a message, while others feared it was due to changes in Earth’s oceans.

GMA News said: “Whatever may the reason be as to how the fish got the design on its body, nobody knows. But maybe, it is a sign perhaps that something is wrong with our ocean.”

Missinggalacticfreedom.wordpress speculated: “How this fish got symbols, letters, numbers, etc in his body remains a mystery but could it be that the fish was sent by something supernatural to deliver a message to humanity?